Dianthus 'Electric Red'

Dianthus 'Electric Red': A Spark of Scarlet in Stillness

With a jolt of vivid crimson and a shimmer of silver below, Dianthus 'Electric Red' energizes the garden like a sudden flash of summer lightning. Each single bloom is deeply fringed and saturated in electric red, rising just above a dense, tidy mound of evergreen, silvery-blue foliage. The spicy clove fragrance and late-spring bloom—often repeated in autumn—make this compact perennial both beautiful and functional. In borders, containers, or gravel gardens, it offers bold colour and quiet strength in equal measure.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–20 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm, forming a compact, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Vivid crimson-red; single blooms with finely fringed petals
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer, with potential for fall rebloom
• Foliage: Silvery-blue, narrow evergreen leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil; prefers dry, lean conditions and dislikes winter wet

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Electric Red' is ideal for edging pathways, brightening rockeries, or adding punch to container plantings. Its evergreen foliage provides structure year-round, while its intensely coloured blooms attract pollinators and invite close admiration. With excellent drought tolerance and a low-growing, manageable habit, it shines in modern, alpine, or traditional cottage garden settings.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Electric Red' with Sedum 'John Creech', a low-growing groundcover whose pink blooms and fleshy green leaves add a gentle contrast in colour and texture. Add Festuca 'Cool As Ice' for upright, icy-blue blades that enhance the dianthus’s silver foliage while adding cool movement. Complete the trio with Heuchera 'Fire Alarm', whose bold red foliage mirrors the flower tones and deepens the visual drama throughout the season.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid rich or soggy sites, especially in winter. Deadhead after flowering to encourage rebloom and maintain a tidy appearance. Lightly shear to refresh foliage after the main bloom. Divide every 2–3 years in early spring or autumn to sustain vigour and consistent flowering.

History: Dianthus 'Electric Red' is part of the Fruit Punch® series by Proven Winners, a collection of compact, floriferous dianthus bred for vivid colours, sweet fragrance, and tidy growth. It draws upon the heritage of species like Dianthus plumarius and Dianthus gratianopolitanus, which have long graced cottage gardens with their resilience and charm. This modern cultivar brings a powerful, glowing hue to the classic dianthus profile.

Final Thoughts: Bold and balanced, Dianthus 'Electric Red' delivers high-voltage colour in a perfectly compact form. When combined with the cooling sprawl of Sedum 'John Creech', the fine vertical contrast of Festuca 'Cool As Ice', and the fiery richness of Heuchera 'Fire Alarm', it creates a planting full of energy, structure, and seasonal interest. A vibrant spark for gardeners who love contrast, fragrance, and enduring beauty.